Today’s scripture references are 2 Nephi chapters 3-5.
There are some amazing things to be learned about these chapters. In 2 Nephi 3, we see Lehi speaking to his son Joseph and prophesying about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. Father Lehi saw Joseph Smith in vision. He knew Joseph Smith’s name, telling his own son, Joseph, that the man who would bring forth the Book of Mormon would bear the same name. He also knew that Joseph Smith’s father would also be named Joseph. Our Gospel Doctrine teacher speculated that Joseph Smith must have felt overwhelmed to translate his own name and to know that he had been foreordained to this great work before the world even was. I agree with that speculation.
In chapter 4, we encounter what is known as Nephi’s Psalm. He laments as to his own infirmities and to his weaknesses. He was a prophet, and so it seems odd to hear him lamenting over his sins, but every one of us sins, regardless of our station in the gospel. Nephi does not dwell on his sorrows for long – he quickly moves into an attitude of praising God in one of the most beautiful passages in the book. The title for this lesson was taken from one such attitude of praise, wherein Nephi says: “Nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.” In the midst of his discouragement, he knew that the Lord was true and faithful, and could be depended upon in all things.
The manual encourages us to think about times when remembering our blessings has helped us through a difficult time, and it also suggests that we take the time to write down our feelings, perhaps even as a poem or in some other creative way of expressing ourselves, as Nephi did.
Related Blogs:
Those Who Die without Hearing the Gospel
The Murmurings of Our Hearts Because We Did Not Understand
Hearken to the Truth, and Give Heed Unto It